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Kings host Bryant, red-hot Lakers

Mar 4, 2008 - 11:18 AM LA Lakers (42-18) at Sacramento (27-32) 10:00 pm EST

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) - The Sacramento Kings on Tuesday will get their first look at the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

Ron Artest scored 32 points and Kevin Martin added 29 as the Kings put an end to their four-game losing streak with Sunday's 120-109 victory over the slumping Miami Heat.

The 6-7 Martin, who ranks among the league leaders in scoring, needs to be on top of his game in this one. He's averaging just 11.1 points in 11 career games against the Lakers.

Sacramento has dropped 11 of the last 12 home meetings against the Lakers, who are 12-2 since acquiring Pau Gasol from Memphis on February 1.

The 7-foot Gasol owns career averages of 20.4 points and 9.3 rebounds in 21 games against Sacramento.

Los Angeles continued its march toward the top spot in the West on Sunday behind the effort of All-Star Kobe Bryant, who netted 52 points in a 108-104 overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks.

"We want to send a message that we are for real, that we're going to compete and hopefully we'll need to be dealt with," said Bryant, who has 22 career 50-point performances.

Bryant earned the Western Conference Player of the Month honors by leading the Lakers to a 13-2 mark in February, averaging 27.2 points, 5.9 assists and 2.1 steals.

Los Angeles took three of four in the season series a year ago.